Overview

Kapa‘aKea
Where the city meets the campus.

The Kapa‘akea Project will modernize the area into a culturally diverse, dynamic, walkable town center that offers creative, educational, and authentic cultural experiences that are appropriate for the surrounding communities and educational partners like the University of Hawai‘i. The area will transform and become an iconic representation of the local cultures and the University of Hawai‘i student lifestyle, which UH can utilize to improve its brand image as it reaches out to prospective students both locally and globally.

Waiānuenue is the first phase towards achieving this vision, a gathering place for all. As part of the Kapa‘akea redevelopment, existing retail areas will be revitalized to create a lively, colorful shopping district filled with eclectic local shops, diverse eateries, and engaging spaces. Called Waiānuenue ma Kapa‘akea, the name pays homage to the shimmering rainbows that grace Mānoa’s skies. Rooted in the area’s deep connection with wai (water), Waiānuenue will be a vibrant gathering place for all where cultures are respected, ideas are shared and connections are made.